The Indian government has rolled out a series of significant schemes and policy updates, marking a proactive approach to economic development, social welfare, and national security over the last 24 hours.
Boost for Critical Mineral Extraction and Recycling
The Ministry of Mines has launched a major initiative with a ₹1,500-crore incentive scheme to bolster the domestic extraction of critical minerals from recycled sources. This scheme, a key component of the National Critical Mineral Mission, aims to develop industry capacity for recycling e-waste, spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), and other scrap materials. Detailed guidelines were issued on October 2, 2025, and the application process has already commenced, receiving positive industry response. The initiative seeks to strengthen India's supply chain sustainability and reduce dependence on imports, particularly by targeting end-to-end metal extraction through advanced processes like hydrometallurgy. Incentives are capped at ₹50 crore for large recyclers and ₹25 crore for smaller entities to ensure broad participation.
Comprehensive Reforms for MSMEs
A comprehensive reform package is being prepared by the central government to strengthen India's Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This sector is vital, contributing nearly 30% to the country's GDP and employing approximately 300 million people. The reforms, following a three-tier consultation process, will focus on reducing financial and raw material costs, improving logistics efficiency, boosting innovation, easing tax and compliance burdens, and integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into manufacturing. The final package, expected by the end of 2025, aligns with the Prime Minister's vision of a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India).
Enhanced Retirement Options for Government Employees
In a move to provide greater flexibility in retirement planning, the Government of India has approved the extension of Life Cycle 75 (LC75) and Balanced Life Cycle (BLC) investment options to Central Government employees under both the National Pension System (NPS) and the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS). This decision responds to a long-standing demand for broader investment choices, similar to those available to non-government subscribers. These options are designed to allow employees to manage their retirement corpus according to individual preferences and risk appetites.
Agricultural Support through PM Krishi Vikas Yojana
The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM PKVY) 2025 is set to provide substantial financial assistance to farmers, with ₹31,500 per hectare to boost agricultural growth and enhance livelihoods. This landmark initiative aims to improve farming practices and increase crop yields by covering expenses for quality seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation systems. The scheme, which focuses on promoting sustainable agricultural practices, is designed to empower farmers, especially in rural areas, and encourage the adoption of eco-friendly and efficient farming methods.
Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure
Significant progress has been reported under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), a centrally sponsored scheme with an investment of ₹64,180 crore over 2021-26. The mission aims to strengthen health infrastructure at all levels, with 17,788 building-less Sub-Health Centres approved for upgradation into Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) and 11,024 Urban AAMs being established. Additionally, 3,382 Block Public Health Units (BPHUs) and 730 Integrated Public Health Laboratories (IPHLs) are being developed to enhance diagnostic and surveillance capabilities, alongside 602 Critical Care Hospital Blocks (CCBs) to strengthen tertiary care.
Youth Employment and Digital Security Initiatives
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 17th National Rozgar Mela, distributing over 51,000 appointment letters to newly recruited youth in various government departments. He highlighted the PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, which aims to create 35 million jobs, and the National Career Service Platform, which has shared information on over 70 million vacancies. In a move to enhance digital security, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued new cybersecurity rules. These amendments aim to strengthen telecom network security and introduce a Mobile Number Validation (MNV) platform to curb identity misuse by allowing authorized entities to verify phone number authenticity.
Cultural Preservation and Trade Relations
The Union Culture Ministry's Gyan Bharatam Mission is moving forward with signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with approximately 20 institutes across the country for the conservation, upkeep, and digitization of India's vast manuscript heritage. On the economic front, India and the US are reported to be "very near" to finalizing a bilateral trade deal, with ongoing negotiations focusing on converging most issues. Additionally, new policies are being pushed to favor hybrid renewable energy projects and domestic solar manufacturing, further fueling India's energy transition.